Yes. And it appears that it may eventually become primarily a mobile technology. Even in its present so-called “Fixed WiMAX” version, the technology already offers some mobile capability at least in regards to licensed band products. However, the standard for Mobile WiMAX or IEEE 802.16e was finalized late in 2005.  With the standard finalized by the IEEE, the technology is now moving towards interoperability testing during the first quarter of 2007. This ratification happened perhaps a bit faster than was expected, hopefully leading to earlier product availability.

The present technology that already has certified vendors is typically described as Fixed or sometimes portable or nomadic by some vendors. In most cases, Fixed WiMAX or 802.16-2004 technology is probably best suited for licensed band fixed broadband wireless deployments. However, precursor WiMAX gear already provides portable and even mobile capability at modest scale today. There are International and US deployments where mobile applications are used daily with precursor gear. Most mobile applications on the precursor side however, have been focused around public safety needs such as police and fire with some notable exceptions.

It is common nowadays to see firms offering portability and for customers to use it in limited application. One firm, Unwired Australia reports that about ten to fifteen percent of its customers do move their radios around downtown Sydney, Australia. Another firm in rural Iowa, Evertek has deployed mobile public safety access that it layers across its public net using encryption to maintain privacy. Both providers utilize licensed spectrum to deliver service. As it currently stands, it does not appear that mobile capability will be deliverable in unlicensed bands or that vendors will attempt to offer such as the spectrum limitations impede that potential.

Increasingly, it appears that the 802.16e mobile WiMAX standard is the version that the majority of firms are moving towards. While it is premature to say that the 802.16d version is likely to wither away, most vendors, even those busily shipping Fixed WiMAX radios, have upgrade procedures in place for customers to switch.

The 802.16e Mobile WiMAX standard can competently support fixed broadband applications as well as mobile. The jury is a bit out as to how well that can be done on a homogenous mobile/fixed needs network as the types of customers served are a bit different. In general, customers utilizing a Fixed WiMAX service are more often businesses with much higher bandwidth and IP-based service needs. Clearly, hybrid networks may make a lot more sense in the short run for many service providers.